The United States Government has unveiled a hub to equip adolescents and young people in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with essential digital, entrepreneurial, and employability skills for global competitiveness.
Speaking at the Inaugural Graduation Ceremony of Adolescents and Young People (AYP) and Unveiling Ceremony of the AYP Tech Hub held in Abuja on Tuesday, the Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy, David Greene clarified that the hub was not a charity gesture.
Greene explained that this was an investment, “we live in an interconnected world and whatever is happening in one country can drastically affect other countries. Nigeria is an important country and its success or failure is the success or failure of the African continent and ultimately the world”.
He further stated that the gesture reflects an investment not just by the United States but also all the partners, implementers and Local Government that are trying to make sure that young Nigerians succeed.
“The tech hub is a safe space where young people can learn, grow and develop skills that would serve them for life.
“By creating this training opportunity they have access to public health opportunities, we hope that we’re giving them an advantage in the future which would help Nigeria grow and thrive and create a better future for everyone.
“We have several tech hubs in place in several parts of Nigeria, we look up to the Nigerian Government to build on the model we hopefully pioneered”, Greene explained.
On his part, the U.S. CDC Nigeria Deputy Director for Partner Management, Cole Gbolahan who represented the Acting Country Director, Suzanne said the success of the FCT Tech Hub was a testament to the power of innovative thinking in transforming the lives of young people.
“By providing AYP the skills they need to succeed in the digital economy and the world, the FCT innovation hub is promoting personal development, economic empowerment and overall well being”, he noted.
Reacting to the gesture, one of the Adolescents graduating from the Tech Hub, Divine Adaobi thanked the US. CDC and its implementing partner, the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) and promised to use the skills acquired to change the world positively:
“These lessons have not only taught us to be skilled professionals but well rounded individuals, ready to contribute the world positively.
“We appreciate our funders, the Americans for this opportunity given to us, the Nigerian adolescents to be partakers of this program that runs for free, we are forever grateful and promise to be global citizens ready to dazzle our world”, she said.
Through this initiative, the U.S. CDC, and its implementing partner the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, aim to reduce risks for young people, prevent HIV transmission, and support HIV-positive youth.
Some of the skills offered in the hub included; Robotics, Coding, Web & Mobile App Development, Digital Marketing, and Design, Make-up Artistry, Hair Styling, Nail Technology, Catering Services among others.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of starter kits to the 50 graduates.
